You Can Go Your Own Way

While I don't necessarily associate thrill seeking with a safe job environment, yesterday's New York Times brings us a story about how rock climbers are finding employment as blade repair specialists in the wind industry.

As wind is a relatively young industry I think there are many opportunities yet to be discovered for entrepreneurial types. While a sure fire way into the industry would be working for one of the larger mulitnationals such as GE or Siemens there are drawbacks to such a position. You may find yourself to be little more than a cog in the machine, and an expendable one at that. Further you are subject to the restrictions placed on you by the corporation and have less than an ideal amount of control over your lifestyle and location.

But if you look at the guys featured in this article, rock climbers who have made a career of their hobbies, you see that you can still have independence and a great career doing something you love. These guys are maintaining the blades on wind turbines, an important function as maintaining the correct shape of the blades increases efficiency and efficiency equals output equals dollars.

As great as this sounds, starting your own business in a field as potentially dangerous as wind has its obstacles such as proving a track record of safety and getting the liability insurance and certifications. But once you get over the first bump you may find yourself in a high demand position, calling the shots at the end of your own rope.